The Platte County girls soccer team saw its season end in heartbreak on May 23, falling 1-0 to St. Pius X in the Class 3 District 8 championship at Van Horn High School.
The Pirates’ postseason run shook the district bracket up. They opened with a 2-1 win over Lincoln Prep, then stunned top-five-ranked Pembroke Hill 2-0 in the semifinals to earn their spot in the final.
Against St. Pius X, Platte County was forced to defend for much of the first half but held strong through pressure and close calls. The Pirates nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime, only to be denied by a goal-line clearance.
“I think it was an awesome game,” head coach Ashlyn Brantley said. “The ball goes your way sometimes, sometimes it doesn’t. Today, it didn’t go our way.”
Brantley made tactical adjustments in the second half to get her side more possession, but clear scoring chances were scarce for both sides. With just 6:20 left in regulation, St. Pius X finally broke through. A cross from the left wing found junior Grayson Vacanti, who met the ball sweetly, leaving Platte County goalkeeper Finley Kaser no chance. The Pirates surged forward in the final minutes in search of an equalizer, but it never came.
“I think we’ve come a long way,” Brantley said. “We’ve grown as a team in our style of play and the way we work together. Our senior leadership has definitely helped, but we’ve come a long way with a winning season.”
Brantley praised her outgoing senior class, whose four-year journey included a rebuild. Their leadership and camaraderie helped guide the Pirates to a successful 2025 campaign, which included a share of the conference title.